THE GREAT GATSBY

Although we do not always identify the object of our inspiration on a conscious level, most choices are made having regard to subconscious influences. I take great inspiration in movies, particularly the older classics in which costume dress feature strongly.There can be no denying that my love for the Great Gatsby inspires my fondness for two tone shoes. Dianne Keaton is probably the pioneer of the dandy look, perhaps also encouraged by the elegance of the Gatsby era. Coco Chanel however paved the way for women to challenge convention by introducing the boyish loo, making it feminine in spite of being a little androgynous. 

My quest to find a pair of high rise Brogues in Black & White took me far and wide, but came to an abrupt end when I took to on line shopping and googled my way through the world's clothing stores. This was one of the most timeless finds ever acquired and in line with my style motto to concentrate on classic pieces that lasts longer than the season. They seem to be quite a show stopper, getting a lot of admiration as I go along.  If this era's elegance appeals to you, invest in a pair of multicolour Brogues and ad a little fun to your look. Don't be surprised by a stranger asking you about them....They seem to be quite versatile as you can dress them up or down.They work remarkably well with the 50's style tailored fitted suits with the pencil skirt ending mid calf and the jacket tucked at the waist, accentuating the hourglass figure.  I just saw a Yellow pair, but don't quite think they're going to be as gorgeous, perhaps funky. So how do you style the dandy look?

Jacket - Truworths Limited

Palazzo Pants - Studio W at Woolworths

Shoes - New Look

Turtle Neck - Truworths

Handbag - Celine Boston Tote

Sunglasses - Vintage Miu Miu

Neck piece - Zara 

Belt - Hermes

HOW TO WEAR SCUBA

Scuba fabric is a trend that I received with some apprehension, being a little hesitant to wear anything that would cause a melt down if it caught fire, besides, I would be undermining my own policy of only promoting natural fibres. However, the first time I laid eyes on this top, t was an instant love affair, being funky, quirky and a little oddly shaped. Being  a girl of a certain age, one sometimes poses challenges to yourself to stray and experiment with things that are unusual. I still promote the concept of less is more, and would keep the accessories to the minimum when wearing something like this. The printed pants phenomenon lingers in my collection and do I find them to add the perfect finish to a top as quirky as this one. It's not exactly what I would wear to a meeting, but for a fun day out running errants or weekend wear, it's quite fun. Mixing up  items in two tones always seem to give a look the "X" factor. You no longer have to do a scuba diving course to sport the gear!

 

 

 

 

Scuba Top - Asos

Pants - H & M

Shoes - Asos

Handbag - Celine Boston Tote